Levante vs Espanyol preview - Osvaldo keen to kick-start Catalan`s revival

Posted Sunday, March 06, 2011 by PA

Espanyol striker Dani Osvaldo is back in Barcelona and will soon be ready to revive the flagging fortunes of the Catalan club.

Osvaldo was a revelation in the first half of the campaign, scoring seven league goals in 14 games as Mauricio Pochettino's side enjoyed a fine start.

However the 25-year-old has been sidelined since early January after rupturing his adductor muscle in the 4-0 win over Real Zaragoza.

Osvaldo underwent surgery in his native Argentina and returned to Espanyol earlier this week. Tests confirmed the striker is now in the final stages of his recovery.

In his absence, Espanyol did well initially, but the Catalans have now lost five or their last six Primera Division matches.

"All teams have dips in form, even Real Madrid," Osvaldo said. "It won't last. First we have to get to 42 points (to be safe from relegation) and then we can think about Europe.

"The difficult part starts now and we are prepared mentally."

Osvaldo says he is desperate to get back on the pitch to help kick-start that revival.

"I hope to play within 10 to 15 days," he said. "I am eager to play again and to help the team."

Midfielder Javi Marquez hopes to return from injury to feature against Levante, but Ivan de la Pena, Felipe Mattioni and Jesus Datolo are all sidelined - as well as Osvaldo.

Following their 2-1 defeat at home to Mallorca on Tuesday, Espanyol - still in fifth - are well adrift of fourth-placed Villarreal.

Levante, meanwhile, have enjoyed a remarkable renaissance of late and the Valencia-based side were three points clear of the relegation zone heading into the weekend.

The promoted outfit drew 1-1 at Real Sociedad in midweek and won four of their previous five matches before that to move out of the bottom three.

"We are on the right track," said coach Luis Garcia. "We're in a positive dynamic - I want maximum effort from my players."

Striker Felipe Caicedo, Levante's top scorer this season, has a knee problem and is doubtful for the game against Espanyol.